Thanks for chiming in Todd! What is the functional difference between the different types of bulbs (T5, T8, etc) and I assume the 6% would best over 36" tall cages? Do you have to elevate them off the screen at all or can they just sit on top like normal?
Hi Ferretinmy shoes.
A T-8 bulb is the standard diameter we are all familiar with.
They are what is called NOMINAL OUT-PUT
They are not High (light) out-put
It is the Zoo Med bulb diameter and the Arcadia t8 diameter bulbs are the same same size and wattage bulbs. The Arcadia just last 25% longer.
A T5 bulb is a skinny diameter bulb.
They come in 2 wattages , out-put levels.
They come in LOW = Nominal Out-put..
one example is like Zillas skinny tube bulbs that are low wattage and made in China. I do not sell those nor do I ever plan to.
(you can read between the lines there? LOL.
)
They are not HO (= High Out-put) bulbs and for the money, & they are not much different out-put wise than Nominal Out-put t-8's.
t5s also come in High Out-put (or "HO")
These are the Arcadia German Made HO t5 Bulbs.
These are a premium bulb and they put out much more light and UV.
About 70% more visible light!
(remember ... UV
IS Light Energy too.
)
For comparison... the standard t8 48" inch NO (nominal out-put) bulb is 36 watts.
The stanadrd t5 HO bulb is 46" long and is 54 watts.
They do run hotter, but they are not
that hot.
They can not be used as basking bulbs since they are not that hot and do not project heat.
The Arcadia HO t5's are the Mercedes Benz of all flo. UV light bulbs.
BUT HERE IS THE KICKER....
They cost LESS to use in the long run because they last longer and give you more UV for your money.
The Arcadia HO t5s out-put decays only about 30% in one years time as (thoroughly!) tested by Frances Baines.
Even after a year.. the Arcadia HO t5's still provide MORE UV than a brand new exo terra or zoo med T8 bulb w/ the same UV rating.
I know a few folks will chime in,
but the LYR customers with chameleons using the Single Arcadia HO t5's have been very pleased....
And now...
the ones using the new double bulb HO t5 fixtures with the 6% Arcadia bulb and the 6.5k Super Day-light bulbs
e-mail me daily telling me about their experiences with them and how their animals are reacting to the improved lighting.
& I couldn't be more pleased.
(And the bearded dragon crowd has gone off the charts with Arcadia HO t5.
they have gone bonkers for the HO t5 12% bulbs because they bring out so much natural color in their beardies.)
The fixtures can just sit on the screen like any other strip fixture.
That is what I do.
Some folks like to raise the lights up using blocks of wood, or hang them. .. or whatever creative they come up with.
This will spread the light pattern out more.
But is is not unnecessary to raise it just for the sake raising it up so that the fixture does not "touch" the screen.
That in itself does not matter.
One reason one may want to raise or lower the light is to simply adjust the distance of the whole light unit from the animal (basking spot).
To try hit the desired UV levels at the place where the actual animal hangs out.
I hope that made sense?? I seem to be rambling LOL
These Arcadia HO t5's have been used in Europe for quite a few years.
They are not
that new.
Just new to us Americans.
They were practically unknown to the whole North American reptile community until I started importing them about 2 years ago.
The European reptile community is overall ahead of the US reptile community, but now we are catching up!
Beware of copy-cats trying to cash in and sell "HO" or T5 reptile bulbs.
Like anything, all the "me too's" start to come out of the woodwork with cheap knock offs once someone gets a good thing going.
(arrgh -I already have allot of that to contend with going on now with the Jungle dawn™ LED vivarium products.)
Anyway, I hope this helps.
Thank you
Cheers.
Todd
. When he's had enough, he goes exploring. I have felt the screen with the fixture on, and have no fear of burns from this light.
